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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2012 3:20:51 GMT 9
I've been fiddling around trying to make a QSL card of my own that I can print at home. The fancy-schmancy ones you can order are EXPENSIVE, but I'll try a full-color when I do these just to see how it turns out. I have a really neat photo of a Dyess C-130H I want to use as a background. So, I just need to hit one of the "Office" stores, and find some Avery postcard stock in the morning. (I doubt very seriously that the BX will have any!) Anyway, I need to get a few cards out for some contacts I made this weekend. I'd also like to send one to my first QSO (contact), and maybe to a couple other "first" QSOs. (Canada, Hawaii, etc.) Here's my design. Mostly B/W, and just a splash of color - but not too much! The back side will look like a standard postcard with my address, and room for a "TO" address if I mail it without a return SASE. (That's pretty common for QSL cards if you send them.) Imagine the collector's value years from now when someone realizes they have a "first edition, home made" QSL card from KF5SPP!! P.S. No one else has a story about when they heard Yuri Gagarin launched into space? Mark, I printed up business cards once using my home computer. If you're using a laser you'll be fine, but if you're using dot matrix or ink jest, the ink runs if it gets wet. I tried handing out runny or blank cards one day, felt like a buffoon. just saying, dont know if the ink has changed any, but I'd check it on plain paper first.
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Post by Mark O on Dec 4, 2012 7:41:20 GMT 9
...just saying, dont know if the ink has changed any, but I'd check it on plain paper first. Yep. I just have an ink jet, and did a little test today. Definitely going to need a laser printer regardless of the design.
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Post by Mark O on Dec 6, 2012 10:14:18 GMT 9
Well, I went down to get my plates today, and discovered Texas doesn't know how to count to 12. More on that in a sec... The good news is I ordered my "Radio Operator" plates, and in a couple weeks should have my custom plates with "KF5SPP" on them! Also discovered that they dropped the $2.00 fee as well as the $1.00 renewal. That was nice. In the meantime I have temp plates with my call sign on them. (There's another story there I will save for later.) Okay. There are 12 months in a year, but Texas leaves the month you got your plates out (or in?) when they count. Let me try to explain. I got my Texas plates the third week of December, 2011 right after I started work at the Hyundai place. Of course I had to get my vehicle inspected first, and that was maybe a couple days earlier. (May have been the same day -- all the paperwork is in my truck, and I'm not going out to look.) Anyway, the INSPECTION sticker expired "12/12", but when I got my REGISTRATION sticker I found it expired "11/12". Well, today I went down to renew, and asked the clerk if Texas registrations were for 11 months or 12. She said 12. Okay, then why is it I registered last December, but they expire in November. She said that was 12 months. No ma'am. That is 11. She actually started counting on her fingers! She said, "See, it's December, January, February,..." I stopped her, and said, "You started with the month I got them! That's like counting to twelve starting with zero! You'll hit 12 at 11! It doesn't work that way. For example, if my birthday is in March, and I have a birthday every twelve months, then according to that logic my next birthday will be in February." She then asked if I wanted to talk to her supervisor, so I dropped it. (I didn't feel like "playing chess with a pigeon." Look it up!) Might write my Texas State representative, and see if he knows how to count to 12. Seriously, if you live in a state other than Texas, and go down to renew your plates today, what number (or month) will be on the expiration sticker they give you? I'll bet it will be 12, or DEC.
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Post by ma1marv on Dec 6, 2012 13:31:13 GMT 9
WELCOME to TEXAS!!! MArk!
I went through the same escapades when I moved there in 1993 and registered my car. As the folks at the counter explained to this "DUMB OL YANKEE" the plates expire in the month you got them - no matter if you paid for them on the 1st or the 31st! Thats the law! SOOOOOOO---- I decided to play the same game - I would let the plates expire and get them in the next month - I thought! Nope - Once the vehicle is registered - even if the plates expire - the county will charge you for the month previous - or months and then tack on the full year! Your vehicle STILL expires in the same month! SSOOOO --- the second year after I moved I vowed and made my calendar mark date as the LAST day of the month - always! I felt that I was getting a few days to my credit!
Now the state inspection tag was different - I always let it expire and go into the next month before I got another state inspection! Some times I even went 3 months before getting my car re-inspected!
YEP - downright disgusting - the way they count down there!
MArv :fire_missle_ani :patriotic-flagwaver :green-beer
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Post by pat perry on Dec 6, 2012 14:13:06 GMT 9
Mark O, Did you ask her what she got for Christmas on November 25th? :rofl
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Post by lindel on Dec 14, 2012 2:28:04 GMT 9
Mark, those of us that learned to count in the early 60s DO know how to count to twelve.
I feel I must remind you that our (Texas, that is) laws are set up by politicians and bureaucrats. Everyone knows that our politicians (State and National) are not our "best and brightest". Anyone remember the "danger" of Guam capsizing because of too many troops?
Those are nice cards by the way, even if you'll have to print them on a laser printer.
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Post by Mark O on Dec 20, 2012 10:32:24 GMT 9
Almost forgot to let y'all know about my QSL cards. I was able to get some Avery 4"x6" cards specifically for an ink jet, did a quick test, and the cards are fine.
The hardest part was finding a template until I realized MS Word already had it!
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Post by Mark O on Dec 21, 2012 6:34:41 GMT 9
Got 'em! (Notice my rusty bolts sure show up now with that white background too!)
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Post by pat perry on Dec 21, 2012 7:39:35 GMT 9
Congratulations Kilo-Foxtrot-5-Sierra-Papa-Papa
I wonder why they have more letters than numbers?
:2thumbsup
Pat P.
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Post by Mark O on Dec 21, 2012 8:01:39 GMT 9
I wonder why they have more letters than numbers? Just the system they use for Amateur Radio. It can actually get pretty confusing, but there is a system! Basically everyone gets a "2x3", sequential, and geographical call sign to start. Here's the FCC page, and the Wiki page... wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=call_signs_1&id=amateuren.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio_licensing_in_the_United_StatesIt gets even more interesting when one decides to get a vanity call sign. (There is a guy who runs a web site that you can forecast out what vanity call signs will be available!) As you got additional licenses, you could apply for a shorter call sign. I think a bunch of folks do this purely out of vanity just as the name implies. The shorter the call sign, the higher your privileges; that sort of thing, but I believe anyone can do it now. Just an ego trip. I know one guy with the highest class of license an amateur can get ("Amateur Extra") that makes his living teaching amateur radio, and selling books, and he uses a "2x3" call sign still. Probably doesn't want to change his license plates! wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?id=amateur&job=call_signs_3&page=1
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Post by Mark O on Dec 29, 2012 12:29:12 GMT 9
Just made my first Russian contact tonight. Asiatic Russia specifically. Pretty amazing considering that home brew antenna I have rigged up, but my timing was pretty good.* He's on a farm in Chernolesye village near the city of Khabarovsk, west of the Sea of Japan. I found him while looking for contesters for the Canadian Winter Contest going on tonight & tomorrow. (12/29/12 Zulu time.) *My timing. I got the guy at 0200Z, and this is what the gray-line looked like then. The red line directly connects the two of us. Propagation is usually pretty good along the gray-line though we we both a bit out of it at the time, we were close enough. Very excited I got the guy! I log most stuff on paper, then put it in the computer, and noticed I made more contacts with Canada, and Mexico lately than the USA. In fact, I've added two new countries to my logbook in the past four days -- Cuba, and Russia -- and have not added any new US states. (I still don't even have Texas!) Anyway, gonna try for some more in the morning. Bands have pretty much dropped off for the night. (P.S. I opened, and watched that link. No problems. And he )
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Post by pat perry on Dec 30, 2012 2:16:09 GMT 9
Cool Mark!
What does the dark and light gray areas represent on your map? Is that like a "coverage cloud map" the cell companies use to show the reception areas they cover?
That's a neat mapping program that converts 3D to 2D.
Is all your chatter via Morse key or can your rig handle voice?
Maybe you need to send the Russian guy a bottle of Tito's Vodka made right here in Texas. :rofl
Pat P.
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Post by Mark O on Dec 31, 2012 2:08:56 GMT 9
Cool Mark! What does the dark and light gray areas represent on your map? Is that like a "coverage cloud map" the cell companies use to show the reception areas they cover? That's a neat mapping program that converts 3D to 2D. Is all your chatter via Morse key or can your rig handle voice? Maybe you need to send the Russian guy a bottle of Tito's Vodka made right here in Texas. Pat P. Sorry for the delay. I was on the radio most of yesterday, then turned it off around 6 p.m., ate some supper, and flopped my tail on the couch for some serious movie watching on tv with son #2. Okay, the dark gray is where it is night, and the light gray is dawn/dusk as appropriate. If you look on the left side of the map there is a small yellow dot that represents a direct line to the sun. To a certain degree it is a reception map, but more obviously. Reception usually picks up along the gray line, so many programs are available to monitor it. Here's an example with a traditional map look to it. dx.qsl.net/propagation/greyline.htmlCompare to this view from 1740Z (1140L Texas/CST)... Just the opposite as far as the mode. I am strictly SSB voice, or "radiotelephone", or simply "phone" right now. I don't even know morse code! (Okay maybe a few letters, but I certainly have now skill at it.) Yes it's true. One does not need to know morse code to get a ham license any longer. Most countries have dropped the morse requirement. That said I would very much like to learn code, and use it. It would open up many more contacts for me! They say the best way to learn is using a straight key first, then once you become proficient with that, you can learn a side keyer. Either way, keyers are expensive! (In fact this hobby is expensive. I wouldn't be in it if my brother hadn't bought be the rig.) So yes, pretty much all HF radios can be used for multiple modes such as CW (morse), SSB (voice), digital (RTTY, PSK31, etc.), and even AM. HTH!
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Post by Jim on Dec 31, 2012 5:36:03 GMT 9
side lever proper name is BUG The first widely accepted alternative key was the sideswiper or sidewinder, sometimes called a cootie key. This key uses a side-to-side action with contacts in both directions and the arm spring-loaded to return to center. A series of dits could be sent by rocking the arm back and forth. The alternating action produces a distinctive rhythm or swing which noticeably affects the operator's transmission style (known as his 'fist'). Although the sideswiper is seldom seen or used today, nearly all advanced keys use some form of side-to-side action.
A popular side-to-side mechanical key is the semi-automatic key or bug, sometimes known as a Vibroplex key, after the company that first manufactured them. When the paddle is pressed to the left it makes a continuous contact suitable for sending dashes (or dahs, as most operators call them). When the paddle is pressed to the right, a horizontal pendulum is set into motion which rocks against the contact points, sending a series of short pulses (dits) at a speed which is controlled by the position of the pendulum weight. A skilled operator can achieve sending speeds in excess of 40 words per minute with a bug.
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Post by Mark O on Jan 1, 2013 3:39:48 GMT 9
side lever proper name is BUG... Ah yes, a BUG! I'm still too new to have all that down yet, so thanks. The way I understand it is the Vibroplex is a bug on it's side, so to speak. I did look up that Vibroplex though. Most retailers I've seen call it the "Original" and the "deluxe" sells for $250.00!! Whoo! The descendant, or "Iambic" goes for about $100 less give or take depending on the finish. Still to much for me right now, especially since I don't know code! Someday...
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Post by Mark O on Jan 7, 2013 11:14:26 GMT 9
Added Belize to the country list tonight. Specifically the contact was on Lighthouse Reef Atoll just off the coast, but that's still Belize. Of course it's not that hard to get there "electrically" from Texas; just got to find someone on the air down there! I heard a guy in Chile as well, but there were way to many people trying to contact him. I didn't stand a chance of getting through in that pile-up! The guy in Belize was actually a German on vacation, and was on the big island southwest of the Great Blue Hole. I remember reading about that place as a great dive spot when I was a diver. (Technically still am, since the certification doesn't expire. I think I'll take a refresher course when I win the lottery!) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Blue_Hole
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Post by Mark O on Jan 21, 2013 7:41:27 GMT 9
Just made my first contact on 17 meters with an Austrian in Peru! OA6Q on 18.152 MHz. I wasn't even sure I could make any contacts on 17M with my dipole antenna specifically cut for 20M. I do know it wouldn't have happened at all without my tuner so thanks for that. It was a bit tough making contact but I got through a BIG pileup on my second try. (That NEVER happens to me!!) It took a bit for him to get my complete call sign, but he did. I then realized my finger hit the frickin' frequency button on the mic pushing the freq up a bit, so that didn't help!
Opens up a bunch more possibilities knowing I can use my antenna on 17 meters (it also works okay on 40 meters), but I really need to get some more height for my antenna.
Interestingly the guy I talked to (OA6Q) is actually an Austrian living temporarily in Peru! Not the first time I've contacted someone in a similar situation including an American, and a German in Mexico. Some of these guys get around!
Edit: Just added Argentina also on 17 meters. South America is coming in great right now!
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Post by Mark O on Feb 9, 2013 2:01:44 GMT 9
Another first! Just talked to a guy in Hungary on the 15 meter (21 MHz) band! I hear Europe sometimes -- usually this time of day, as the sun is starting to set there right now -- but NEVER get through the pileup of folks with big antennas, and bigger amplifiers powering through to be heard. That was my first ever contact to anyone in Europe on shortwave! Not to shabby for a cheap, home-brew, wire antenna just 10 feet off the ground!
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Post by Jim on Feb 9, 2013 2:44:00 GMT 9
Did you amaze him with your homemade equipment? My father-in- law never had a commercial ant. except fot the whip he had on his car..... No shame on homemade.................
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Post by Mark O on Feb 9, 2013 3:16:31 GMT 9
Did you amaze him with your homemade equipment? My father-in- law never had a commercial ant. except for the whip he had on his car..... No shame on homemade................. No. I didn't want to embarrass the old hands that bought their expensive antennas! Actually, you usually don't want to spend to much time chatting when guys are calling from distant (DX) stations so you can give more people a chance to make a contact. People remember stuff like that. The truth is if I do want to make some decent contacts -- and I do -- the minimum I need is more height out of my setup. I read a piece from a guy when I was getting started in this, and based on his experience his advice was to get a long wire antenna, get it in the air as high as you can, and have fun! Makes sense. Hungary is pretty active today. Friday evening over there right now. I've heard two other "HA" stations, and a Czech station in just the past 15 minutes or so, but the pileups are worse than the guy I was able to talk to. Haven't even tried with the new stations, but the bands are in-and-out. Kind of like what happens at night on this side of the world. The South American stations start up right when the sun starts to set. I have better luck with those guys. (Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, etc.)
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